Pearl River WMA expected to close this week

Automatic closure includes shooting range, LDWF says

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area will be closed when the Pearl River flood gauge reached 16.5 feet, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced over the weekend.

The Pearl River was at 15.21 feet this morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The latest prediction is for the river to breach the 16.5-foot mark Feb. 10, according to the NWS. The closure is an automatic benchmark set by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, the LDWF said.

When the Pearl River reaches that point, the gate at the WMA entrance on Old Highway 11 will be closed.

Included in the closure is the Pearl River-Honey Island Shooting Range.

Increasing water levels in the Pearl River has caused backwater flooding in the WMA. Once the water recedes, LDWF will inspect, repair and reopen the WMA when travel is deemed safe, the agency said.